Actor Julián Ortega has passed away at 41, as confirmed by an official statement.
The Union of Actors and Actresses in Spain released a statement announcing the death of the Elite star.
Unverified reports had suggested that Ortega collapsed on a beach in Spain earlier in the week.
The union’s statement read: “Actor Julián Ortega dies at the age of 41. Rest in peace. From the Union of Actors and Actresses, our most sincere condolences to the actor’s family and friends.”
The cause of Ortega’s death has yet to be disclosed.
Hailing from Madrid, Ortega gained international recognition for his role in the Netflix series Elite.
He was featured in six episodes of the show, portraying the manager of the establishment La Caba.
Ortega’s other notable works include roles in the Amazon Prime series Caronte (2020), Nunc Et in Hora (2010), as well as Spanish series Velvet (2014) and Cristo y Rey (2023), also known as Untameable.
Ortega’s friends and colleagues have taken to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to him following his sudden death.
Actor Fernando Tejero shared: “I am broken with pain, dear colleague… what a great actor and what a beautiful person you are, Julian Ortega… fly high, hugs to your father and mother.”
Sílvia Marsó also posted: “Today the profession loses an exceptional colleague, an incredible actor, and an unforgettable human being. A big, big hug to your parents Gloria Muñoz, José Antonio Ortega, and all their family, friends and colleagues. Always in our hearts, dear Julian.”
Jose Gomez-Friha added his tribute: “Thank you Julian Ortega. For teaching me when I was learning.”
“How patient you were with me! Thank you Julian Ortega and rest in peace. I will always remember you. Thank you. What a shame life is.”
Actor Paco Collado also honored Ortega, stating: “It was a great pleasure @julianortega_7 to play your father in @elpuebloserie you left us with sympathy, generosity and professionalism, many hugs friend and also to your family, a real shame in the prime of your youth, RIP Julian.”